Peter, this was a spectacular review that not only illuminated Jerrod Carmichael's work but also comedy itself. I would read your analysis of a comedian anytime.
Great post, Peter. Well written and engaging. I had not heard of Carmichael before and I could tell immediately he was gay in the first clip you posted. Just like how honesty is important in comedy to create a connection with the audience, I think honesty in writing is the same way (I am currently reading Bukowski and his honesty pops through the page). To what extent do you think Carmichael's meteoric rise was due to the extent he checked two establishment boxes (black and gay, even if initially closeted)?
Thanks for reading. There definitely was a "type" that was popular in the early-mid 2010s: black male comics who spoke slowly and deliberately. Hannibal Buress was seemingly the originator there. Carmichael definitely fell into that bucket when he first came on the scene and I'm sure that played a role in his initial success. Ultimately though, I think he has the talent to back it up.
What's interesting is that even though he checks two boxes, he still draws a lot of ire from the left because he doesn't always fall in line with their prescribed views. He caught a lot of shit for a joke he made a couple years ago about his white boyfriend teaching him to read. That's one thing I really like about him, you're never quite sure what angle he's going to take. You can't say the same for a lot of other comedians, of any identity group.
Peter, this was a spectacular review that not only illuminated Jerrod Carmichael's work but also comedy itself. I would read your analysis of a comedian anytime.
Thanks! More to come on this front.
Great post, Peter. Well written and engaging. I had not heard of Carmichael before and I could tell immediately he was gay in the first clip you posted. Just like how honesty is important in comedy to create a connection with the audience, I think honesty in writing is the same way (I am currently reading Bukowski and his honesty pops through the page). To what extent do you think Carmichael's meteoric rise was due to the extent he checked two establishment boxes (black and gay, even if initially closeted)?
Thanks for reading. There definitely was a "type" that was popular in the early-mid 2010s: black male comics who spoke slowly and deliberately. Hannibal Buress was seemingly the originator there. Carmichael definitely fell into that bucket when he first came on the scene and I'm sure that played a role in his initial success. Ultimately though, I think he has the talent to back it up.
What's interesting is that even though he checks two boxes, he still draws a lot of ire from the left because he doesn't always fall in line with their prescribed views. He caught a lot of shit for a joke he made a couple years ago about his white boyfriend teaching him to read. That's one thing I really like about him, you're never quite sure what angle he's going to take. You can't say the same for a lot of other comedians, of any identity group.
Wow! He even LOOKS like a different person in that image. This was a fair, well-written, and engaging analysis. Well done 🙏🏾
Thanks! Yes he’s certainly changed a lot over the last few years.